Saturday, January 31, 2009

To keep the goat or not...

It has been another busy month for us here in the Rice household. From dinner guests to date nights to Ranch events, we have been busy most evenings. Being so busy really made the month go by quickly. We really enjoyed having our new pastor and his family over for dinner, entertaining some ranch folks, and getting to double date with some friends from church.
The weather has been a little crazy from freezing rain one day to low 70s just a few days later. And I thought it was hard to figure out what to wear in Michigan!

Both Elijah and Leigh Ann had their turn getting the flu but thankfully we are all well now.

Eli continues to grow and learn new things. He has been pretty fussy lately but we now know why as a new molar made its way to the surface a few days ago. A couple on the ranch graciously gave us an enormous swing set that Eli already loves. The slide has become one of his favorite things to do outside now.

School is in full swing and we have recently welcomed a few new girls to the ranch family. Jeff recently fulfilled a deal he had with a student by shaving off his goatee. As you can see from the pictures, it came off in stages. Needless to say, everyone had an opinion on which way Jeff should wear his facial hair.

That's all for now. We hope you enjoy the pictures.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Mayhem and Merriment

What do the sound of running feet, laughter, and chaos equal...a Rice family Christmas. This year for Christmas we spent two weeks in the snowy tundra of the great north. We enjoyed making memories with Jeff's family and my extended family in Michigan. Here are a few highlights of our time.


The Whole Family

Santa



Cousins





Making Christmas Cookies






Sledding




Eating





Playing Cards



Making Music





Cabellas (a truly northern experience)






Playing Wii



Reading Stories



Presents
Above all these things is the reason why we celebrate: Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God with Us. Praise God for the birth of His Son, our Savior!